Northwest RiverPartners’ Clark Mather discusses the value of affordable, reliable, carbon-free hydropower.
Electricity in Northwest Montana is largely fueled by hydropower – and not just from the Hungry Horse and Libby dams. Particularly in the frigid winter months, much of the greater Flathead Valley’s energy comes from other hydro projects in the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia River System. Recently, Flathead Electric Cooperative invited Northwest RiverPartners’ Executive Director, Clark Mather, to visit Kalispell to discuss hydropower’s carbon-free affordability and reliability.
Northwest RiverPartners (NWRP) is a member-driven organization serving not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities in the Pacific Northwest (including Flathead Electric Co-op) and other partners supporting clean energy, low-carbon transportation and agricultural jobs. Part of NWRP’s mission is to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of hydroelectricity in keeping our power supply affordable and reliable. Mather joined Flathead Electric Co-op’s Board of Trustees’ July 24 meeting to discuss the latest developments in Pacific Northwest hydropower policy.
Afterward, the Co-op and the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce invited members to join Mather for Hydro Power Hour at Sacred Waters Brewing Co. Mather led an engaging community conversation about the foundational role of hydropower in the Flathead Valley and the Pacific Northwest. “Hydropower is the foundational, affordable electricity resource here in the Flathead and across the Pacific Northwest,” said Mather. “More than 80% of the electricity that serves your home or business comes from hydropower…our hydropower is critical to keeping electricity both reliable and affordable in the Flathead.”
Mather also gave an interview on KGEZ radio and appeared on the Kalispell Chamber’s Venture Boldly podcast to continue the Hydro Power Hour conversation. Listen to his thoughts about the complex interplay between hydropower and salmon ecosystems, the heated debates surrounding dam removal, and insights into river management, environmental stewardship, economic growth, and more: 37 – From River to Grid: Hydropower’s Impact on NWMT Energy – Kalispell Chamber
